Dear friends,
One of the brightest highlights of our week was the Volunteer Recognition “Fiesta!” that took place on Tuesday evening at Jewish Home Assisted Living. More than 100 of our volunteers gathered for a delicious dinner, some lively Mariachi music and a chance for us to salute them for all that they do for the Jewish Home Family and our elders. There were some wonderful stories shared including a grandmother and granddaughter each receiving an award for completing milestone levels of service (from 100 hour and up). It was wonderful to see a number of multigenerational volunteer families and to see the lessons and values that have clearly been taught (Click here for photos!). There are so many opportunities for volunteers and they are each tailored to the individual. Some of our volunteers like contact with the elders and they become friendly visitors or assist with activities. Others would prefer to help with important jobs like staffing the Gift Shop or assisting with the many mailings that go out. If you’ve ever thought about “giving back” as a volunteer, come visit with us and see how many options there are, I am certain we can find one for you!
In the Gallen Center this week we began with our Circle of Friends and followed that with Jewelry Club (always a big hit as people create their own special jewels!) and then music in the afternoon. Tuesday included both boxing and a fascinating University program on Oriental medicine, which focused on homeopathic medicines. Wednesday included an art project painting on wooden objects as well as a relaxing yoga session led by a volunteer. Lunch out at the Northvale Diner was fun for a number of participants on Thursday as was Zumba on the patio on Friday.
Jewish Home Assisted Living residents began on Sunday with current events programs as well as exercise and Rabbi Korenblit gave a lecture on “Tragedies that happened on this date in Jewish history.” Monday’s history program was, by resident choice, on Art Linkletter. The hour long program was followed by a lively question and answer session. We also had an outing to Coco Nails, always a favorite. On Tuesday our knitting club came together for a morning of conversation and knitting. No one has to be a knitter to attend so it’s a fun opportunity for conversation. We had exercise on Tuesday as well as one of our regular Men’s Club meetings. On Wednesday, as the heat wave subsided, we had a morning program on the patio to discuss current events and New York Times headlines. We also enjoyed exercise and then a popular outing to the Dollar Store. Our elders especially like buying greeting cards and they talked about how much they miss people sending cards the way they once did. Wednesday wrapped up with a great jazz concert by Janice Wiggins. Thursday included a biography lecture on James Cagney as well as Tai Chi with Hasmig and we ended the day with a special showing of the film “Age of Champions.”
On Sunday Jewish Home at Rockleigh residents finally saw the film they’ve been asking for . . . Bohemian Rhapsody. We had a full house on Sunday evening and the elders thoroughly enjoyed the film. On Monday we kicked off our week in the Borsht Belt, which has become an annual tradition for us. On Monday morning we had our own “dirty dancing” exercise, dance and yoga program and followed that with a showing of the film “Dirty Dancing,” which all enjoyed. On Tuesday we had fun with “Build your own sundae in the Catskills!” What’s not to love about that? We had live music, opportunities for reminiscence and, of course, a variety of delicious ice creams and topping. On Wednesday we had Steady Boxing coupled with exercises from our LaughActive program and in the afternoon we had an outdoor barbecue as well as a “Fun in the Sun” exercise program. Wednesday afternoon was highlighted by the Amazing Vince Magic Show who brought all kinds of tricks including some with rabbits and doves! On Thursday we had fun making personal pan pizzas with choices of toppings that ranged from fresh vegetables and herbs to pineapple and even cooked soy bacon! Rubin unit elders enjoyed the Yiddish Club on Thursday morning and in the afternoon we were joined by comedienne Ellen Karis who did a fun hour of stand-up comedy for us. We wrapped up our week celebrating “National Coffee Milkshake Day,” along with an outing to the Northvale Diner and a session of Art of the Masters.
All the best
Carol Silver Elliott
President/CEO
The Jewish Home Family
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Volunteer Opportunity of the Week
Do you love organizing and straightening up? Then our Jewish Home at Rockleigh library is the volunteer opportunity for you. We are looking for someone who can restock the library shelves on a once-a-week basis.
Please contact Stacey Orden, Director of Volunteer Services at sorden@jewishhomefamily.org or 201-518-1175 with questions or to sign up.
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10 Link Drive Rockleigh, NJ 07647 | 685 Westwood Ave. River Vale, NJ 07675